Gina Lollobrigida Celebrated at Venice Film Festival 80
The 80th Venice Film Festival opened on August 29 with a tribute to Gina Lollobrigida, highlighting her iconic Italian beauty. The inaugural evening at Sala Darsena featured a screening of Orson Welles' 1958 documentary 'Portrait of Gina,' a pilot episode about national beauties, and Mario Soldati's 1953 film 'La Provinciale,' based on a novella by Alberto Moravia with screenplay by Giorgio Bassani. Welles' documentary, shot at Lollobrigida's home on the Appian Way, captures 1950s Italy and discusses Italian women's neorealist sensuality, later echoed by brands like Dolce&Gabbana. 'La Provinciale,' set in Lucca, showcases Lollobrigida's sensual performance. The film's costumes were by Sorelle Fontana, who dressed Italian and international stars, exemplifying Italian haute couture surpassing French fashion in the 1950s. The event underscores Italy's artistic identity through beauty as a crafted and interpreted element.
Key facts
- 80th Venice Film Festival opened August 29 at Sala Darsena
- Tribute to Gina Lollobrigida featured Orson Welles' 1958 documentary 'Portrait of Gina'
- Also screened: Mario Soldati's 1953 film 'La Provinciale' based on Alberto Moravia novella
- Giorgio Bassani contributed as screenwriter for 'La Provinciale'
- Welles' documentary filmed at Lollobrigida's home on Appian Way
- Costumes in 'La Provinciale' by Sorelle Fontana
- Sorelle Fontana dressed Italian and international stars, elevating Italian haute couture
- Welles described Italian women's neorealist sensuality, later seen in Dolce&Gabbana
Entities
Artists
- Gina Lollobrigida
- Orson Welles
- Mario Soldati
- Alberto Moravia
- Giorgio Bassani
- Marilyn Monroe
Institutions
- Venice Film Festival
- Sorelle Fontana
- Dolce&Gabbana
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Sala Darsena
- Appian Way
- Lucca